Spike Lee is going the independent distribution route, partnering with New York-based Variance Films for the theatrical release of his latest movie Red Hook Summer, which will open in New York City on August 10 before expanding to the top 30 markets.

Summer, which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in January, concerns a sullen young, middle-class boy from Atlanta who comes to the housing projects of Red Hook to spend the summer with his deeply religious grandfather.

“From my very first joint back in 1986, She’s Gotta Have It, I have been an independent filmmaker, and even today I still am,” Lee said. “I’m elated to join forces with Variance Films for the independent distribution of my new joint Red Hook Summer. We look forward to getting this film into the marketplace, where we believe 100 percent that there is a starving audience for American independent films like Red Hook Summer.”

The deal was brokered by Dylan Marchetti of Variance Films with CAA and Robert Strent of Grubman, Indrusky & Hireon on behalf of Lee’s 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks.